"Blogger" n. Someone with nothing to say writing for someone with nothing to do. This is the blog of Eric Swanson containing the developing thoughts and reflections on the externally focused church, the kingdom of God and what I see God doing in the world, in my life and the life of my family and friends. I also occassionally throw in a little commentary on good restaurants I like along with a few pictures.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Saddleback HIV / AIDS Conference Summary

The following is a brief summary written by Liz Swanson

The Conference opened with Rick and Kay Warren delivering a message entitled:

“How God Got Our Attention and Taught Us to Care about People with HIV/AID”

Kay was drawn to an article written about the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She couldn’t stop thinking about what she’d read in regards to the suffering and the scope of the issues. It was she who alerted Rick to the importance of the churches engagement.

They addressed three obstacles that have kept us from caring:

We have been afraid of catching a diseaseWe have been afraid of what others will think (supporting homosexuality etc.)We have been afraid of the scope; it’s just too big

They addressed our obligation; why we must care:

We have been blessed so that we may bless othersJesus modeled compassionThe problem demands itGod commands it

C-care for and comfort the weakH-handle the testing and counselingU-unleash a volunteer group of compassionR-resource them, remove the stigmaC-champion the need to prevent HIV/AIDS (abstinence programs)H-help with nutrition and medication

Rick Warren also reviewed the PEACE Plan

Bill and Lynne Hybels spoke. They told their stories concerning how they became involved in the HIV/AIDS ministry. They were contacted by Bono of U2. Lynne flew out to meet with him in England. After that meeting, Lynne was so moved; she initiated the ministry at their Willow Creek.

Their suggestions for starting an HIV/AIDS ministry in a church:

Sew a little bit of seed.Sew the seed winsomelySew the seed with hopeLet it growWhile you wait for it to grow, educate yourselfWhen you begin to plan, plan as if you have plenty of money and plenty of staffChoose high-capacity volunteers to do your leadingMove the way of compassion and God will meet you along the way.

Recent Stats:

Global Estimates for Adults and Children:

People living with AIDS………40.3 millionNew HIV infections in 2005…...4.9 millionDeaths due to AIDS in 2005…...3.imillion

An estimated 14 million children have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. 12 million live in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Many of the children in Sub-Saharan Africa live in “child-lead” homes.

Conclusion:

The call to the church and our need to take responsibility for this pandemic was strongly and powerfully communicated. There was little indication, however, that any churches in the US have ministries in full swing. Saddleback and Willow Creek have certainly begun to “turn the ship,” but even they do not seem to have a fully engaged ministry, as of yet. They do, however, have both the vision and desire to influence the church to take the lead.

In Africa there are many churches that have taken responsibility for ministry to those with HIV/AIDS.

The conference was challenging, thought provoking and directive. I think those who were there, will be moved to take some type of action. Not sure how much influence this effort will have on the church as a whole. Hopefully, there will be ripple affects.

I believe one of the true “change agents” is Bono. Although I had heard that he’d contacted the President and many heads of state and leaders of corporations, I had no idea that he had contacted Christian leaders.

(From Eric) One of the things speakers that are new to this thing they said was, "I just didn't know!" or "How could I have missed this!?!?" The first step for everyone was getting information that began to shape their hearts and minds. Here are a few compelling information:

More than 15 million children have been orphaned---6,000 orphaned each day because of HIV /AIDSMore than 28 million people have died in the past 25 year, with more than 8,000 / day dyingCurrently infected in our world is a population living with HIV / AIDS totaling more than 40 million and another 14,0000 are newly infected each day.More than 1 million people are HIV positive in the US

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About Me

Eric has been married to Liz since 1977. They have three children. Son Andy and his wife Natalie live in East Asia and are proud parents of their baby daughter, Jenda Zoe (b. 12/18/06). Son Jeff returned February, 2005,from serving our country in Baghdad with the 126th MP Company for one year. Jeff and his wife, Ashlie, have one baby boy (b. 9/8/05), Gentry David. They are both in their last year at the University of Colorado. Daughter Kacey was married to Erik Olson on May 27, 2006. Erik works and Kacey will graduate from University of Northern Colorado in December.
Eric and Liz served with Campus Crusade for 25 years before Eric joined Tango as Director of Charitable Investing. He is the co-author of "The Externally Focused Church," "Living a Life on Loan," and has written several published articles on churches that are serving their community. In partnership with Leadership Network (www.leadnet.org) Eric serves as a Leadership Community Director for Externally Focused Churches. In June of 2007 he received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Bakke Graduate University (bgu.edu).